Bar Cham

Atmosphere: 9/10 Tucked into Seoul’s Seochon neighborhood, Bar Cham blends Japanese woodwork minimalism with clever modern touches — infrastructure like fire alarms, cameras, and vents are invisibly tucked away. The backbar is clean and elegant, fully integrated into the warm-toned interior. Funky music plays at a mid-loud but manageable volume, keeping the energy up without killing conversation. Drinks: 6.5/10 Recommended drink: Jeju The menu is concept-driven and layered — every year, new themed cocktails are added, while bestsellers from previous menus are kept as legacy drinks. Each cocktail comes with a short backstory. Coasters are sharp, glassware is high-end (with some custom pieces), and the English intro is thoughtful and well-done. Garnishes and presentation vary — some drinks look plain, others show real flair. Flavor-wise, drinks are hit or miss. One Spring Day tasted overwhelmingly herbal, like Chinese medicine. In contrast, Jeju stood out with its bright mandarin balance and a presentation that actually felt inspired. Service: 9.5/10 Water, warm towels, and snacks were all provided. The team was attentive, welcoming, and highly professional. Prices are slightly above average but appropriate for the level of detail and service. This bar is ranked #20 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and #71 on the World’s 50 Best Bars. The ranking feels a little too high in my opinion.l, for the quality and balance of drinks.

Bar Cham is a craft cocktail bar located in an alley near Gwanghwamun. The bartenders are very friendly, speak relatively good English and quite attentive to all guests who enter. I was very lucky to score a seat at the counter on a Saturday night without any wait. I didn’t see any available weekend reservations the rest of the month online, so I must have gotten lucky. After receiving a cocktail menu, I spent a bit of time, perusing the many selections. I ended up starting with the 충주김밥 Chungju Gimbap, which had a peculiar savory flavor to it. It was not bad, but it took me a while to acclimate to its pickled, sweet and sour tasting notes. The second drink I tried was the 송편 Songpyeon, which is the name of a traditional type of rice cake. Bar Cham’s cocktail version had a lot of variety to it, including a couple drops of sesame oil and a green chocolate shaped like a songpyeon. The flavors were somewhat more conventional and pleasant. I was about to stop there, but I ended up ordering the Personal Color. It has a base of Hwayo 41 premium soju with fermented pear and lemon, topped with a whipped egg white and three colored drops. It was the most enjoyable of the three cocktails that I tried of the three. The creator of the drink proudly raised her hand when recognized by a fellow bartender. I was very glad that I had stopped by and had the opportunity to get a seat at the bar without a wait. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to experience the taste of Korea in a cocktail glass.

Bar Cham is an absolute gem! The atmosphere here is fantastic—cozy, stylish, and inviting. The cocktail menu is incredible, offering a wide variety of delicious drinks that cater to all tastes. Each cocktail is beautifully presented, making it a feast for both the palate and the eyes. What truly sets Bar Cham apart is its staff. The bartenders are not only skilled but also incredibly knowledgeable. They speak excellent English and are happy to share the fascinating history behind each drink. It’s clear that they are passionate about their craft, and their expertise adds a special touch to the experience. A little tip: it’s best to arrive about 15 minutes before opening, as the place is super popular. Otherwise, you might end up 30th in line! If you’re looking for a place with great vibes, exceptional cocktails, and top-notch service, Bar Cham is a must-visit. Highly recommended!

The concept is cool, thoughtfully supported by small details in their drinks, inferior, and decor. All the staffs are also very helpful and welcoming. A gentlemen assisted us throughout the whole experience from waiting until leaving, making it extremely memorable. Will definitely recommend 🫶🫶🫶

This place truly deserves tins ranking in the 50 Best Bars… the balance and creativity of the cocktails using a lot of local products, the kindness, passion and humor of the staff, the minimalism and purity of the design, everything here is a 10 out of 10. We went there twice, and both times were absolutely perfect! ✨

Having spent a couple of years living in Seoul, I found Bar Cham's authentic wood hanok style and minimal decor to be particularly special. The menu is a nostalgic journey through Korea's diverse regions, highlighting local specialties from across the country. What sets Bar Cham apart from other Top 50 Asia Bars in Seoul is its noticeably more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Unlike some high-end cocktail establishments, there's nothing pretentious about the experience here. The staff are exceptionally cheerful and friendly, with excellent English skills. They take genuine pleasure in explaining different aspects of the menu and the stories behind each drink you order. Also, the snacks and food (lasagna) were unique and delicious. For those intimidated by Seoul's sometimes exclusive bar scene, Bar Cham offers world-class cocktails in a setting that feels accessible and genuinely Korean. We walked in during a week night.

The cocktails are reli delicate. You can feel the member of the bar care about their drinks. Shout out to the bartender (short hair lady) for the recommendations tonight. Made our day.

Wow. Simply a stunning experience. I wish I took more photos; the one I took doesn’t do the cocktails justice (photo is our third round of different cocktails each, 6 in total). From the knowledge of the bartenders to the types of cocktails offered, this was truly one of our favourite stops in Seoul during our week here. My favourite: Personal Colour (not pictured… but yes, that is a truffle chocolate in one of the drinks).